light confussion

[Chef Reef]

why are these lights ...

http://www.aquariumguys.com/current-nova-extreme-actinic48.html

cheaper then these lights..

http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealin...404&catParentID=18369&scId=18369&ctl_nbr=3684


and yet T5's are supposed to be better? which one of these fixtures is better?


the price difference isnt much on these websites, the coralife ones are about $150 locally..

 

[macawmagic]

those aren't individually reflected t5's. I would highly recommend spending the extra money and buying the tek or some other higher end light. do it right the first time!

 

[loyalrogue]

Yes, T5 is better than PC lighting, but different brandnames are going to have different quality and value, like the difference between an OXO or a Kershaw Shun chef's knife.

Also like Keith mentioned, that T5 fixture has a single reflector which increases output by 99% whereas a fixture like the TEK uses individual reflectors which increase output by 300%.

 

[Chef Reef]

hmm ok, so what lights should i get that i can find locally. i dont want to spend over 300 bucks, or try not to anyways.. right now i have that coralife one which im going to take back if i can find the recipet. i would like to have MH's in it as well but thats not required.

 

[carlosngloria]

I believe this one would be fine
http://www.aquariumguys.com/current-nova-extreme48.html

 

[djmicl]

I would suggest these:

Reefgeek.com
48" 4x54W SLR T5 High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs
by IceCap Price: $299.00

 

[macawmagic]

either what djmicl said if you have a canopy, or if you don't I would HIGHLY recommend matt's light. I've seen a 55 gallon tank with the 4 bulb tek fixture on it and yes you could keep anything in there. but I would deff just spend the little extra and buy a 4 bulb unit vs 2, because later down the road you will want the 4 bulbs.

 

[Chef Reef]

no canopy so i think im going to buy matts.

 

[Chef Reef]

matt i'll buy your lights. let me know. i can pick up tonight prolly. just as long as everything is good with it. how old are the bulbs? do i need anything else for it?

heh its taking me 3 times to buy the right lights...

 

[Beach Bum 70]

try Eco Reef Aquarium or the Coral Reeef Farm see if they can get you the Sun light supply tek 5. I have 8 bulb for my 90 gal and am growing EVERTHING!

 

[Chef Reef]

i dont think i can fit the 8 bulb on mine. whats the difference between that one and matts besides the number of bulbs.

 

[Beach Bum 70]

nothing you dont need 8 bulbs just go with the sunlight supply brand tek 5 indv reflector that is the key

 

[Chef Reef]

how much r they new?

 

[Beach Bum 70]

no clue think i paid like 400 for mine with blubs check sunlight supply.com see if that helps

 

[Chef Reef]

geeze. i think id rather buy matts for half the price depending if they work fine.